in a decade, again with Carrier Air Wing 15 aboard USS Coral Sea. On 29 April 1975, squadron aircraft provided air cover for Operation Frequent Wind, the evacuation of American citizens from Saigon that terminated United States military involvement in Vietnam. On 15 May 1975, squadron aircraft, along with other elements from CVW-15 launched air strikes against the Cambodian mainland after the capture of the SS Mayaguez by Khmer Rouge gunboats. From May 1979 to January 1980, the squadron deployed aboard to the Western Pacific and Indian Oceans, including 63 days of operations in the Arabian Sea during the Iran Hostage Crisis. 1980s The squadron's next deployment aboard USS Kitty Hawk was completed in 1981. In 1986, aboard , VA-94 made history as part of the first nuclear aircraft carrier to transit the Suez Canal and then cruised the Mediterranean for three months, supporting operations against Libya. From February to May 1988, the squadron flew air support for Operation Earnest Will, escorting reflagged Kuwaiti oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. In April 1988, the squadron struck the naval forces of Iran as part of Operation Praying Mantis, the first major U.S. naval battle since World War II. Squadron aircraft delivered direct hits on the Iranian frigate Sahand. In December 1989, the squadron participated in Operation Classic Resolve, providing support for the Philippine government during a coup attempt. 1990s In June 1990, the squadron received its first F/A-18C Hornet and was redesignated Strike Fighter Squadron 94 (VFA-94) on 1 January 1991. In May 1991, it deployed aboard to the Persian Gulf in support of United Nations sanctions following the war in Iraq. The squadron also participated in Operation Fiery Vigil, evacuating thousands of homeless people from the Philippines after the Mount Pinatubo eruption. It subsequently received the Joint Meritorious Unit Commendation for its contribution to the disaster relief efforts. On 15 June 1993, the squadron deployed aboard USS Abraham Lincoln flying missions over southern Iraq in support of Operation Southern Watch. In October 1993, USS Abraham Lincoln left the Persian Gulf for Somalia to provide force protection for U.S. and other United Nations forces aiding in the humanitarian relief effort. VFA-94 earned the coveted Battle "E" Award designating it as the Navy's top FA-18 squadron in 1994. The squadron participated in Operation Vigilant Sentinel during its 1995 deployment, again aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln. The squadron next deployed aboard USS Kitty